October 22, 2025
Interim Suspension Imposed on CS2 Team “Northern Lights” Following Preliminary Investigation
The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has imposed an interim sanction in the form of a interim suspension on the team Northern Lights and all Participants registered to, contracted by, or competing under its banner.
This decision follows the receipt of information and a preliminary investigation by ESIC which resulted in evidence indicating severe breaches of the ESIC Integrity Program. The interim measure is intended to preserve competitive integrity while ESIC completes its investigation.
What the Interim Sanction Means
Effective immediately, Northern Lights and its Participants are provisionally suspended from participating in any ESIC Member Event, including qualifiers and online stages, pending the outcome of ESIC’s investigation and any ensuing disciplinary process. Any period served under interim suspension will be credited against any final sanction that may be imposed.
The affected individuals include, but may not be limited to:
- Axel “axelen” Enholm
- Anton “Meinz” Evander
- Oscar “Avoy” Dahlkvist
- Frank “fraaank” Issal
- Alexamder “frigolito” Andersson
Basis and Scope
The interim suspension has been imposed in line with ESIC’s Codes and standard practice where evidence warrants protective action during live investigations. The matters under review concern potential violations of the Anti-Corruption Code and provisions of the Code of Conduct. ESIC emphasizes that an interim sanction is not a final determination of wrongdoing.
Next Steps
- ESIC has already issued Notices of Charge indicating this interim sanction to relevant Participants providing a window of reply ahead of a final determination.
- ESIC has also issued interrogatories to each of the relevant Participants.
- ESIC will continue its investigation and, where appropriate, may issue further Notices of Charge and/or final Notices of Enforcement Action
- Upon finalising its investigation, ESIC will issue a further Public Statement.
- ESIC Member Event organisers are requested and required (as applicable under adoption of ESIC’s Program) to recognise this interim suspension.
- Northern Lights and its Participants retain the procedural and appeal rights set out in ESIC’s Codes.
ESIC may publish updates to this matter from time to time on its Open Investigation Register.
Commitment to Integrity
ESIC remains committed to safeguarding fair play across esports. Where our Codes indicate risk to competitive integrity, interim measures are a vital tool to protect events while due process is followed, consistent with prior public statements and outcomes.
Media & Enquiries
For further information or to report suspicious activity, please visit esic.gg or contact info@esic.gg. Office details are available on our website.
ESIC will make no further comment at this time while the investigation is ongoing. A detailed update will be provided upon conclusion of the process in accordance with our Sanction Outcome publication practice.
About ESIC (Esports Integrity Commission)
ESIC is the recognised guardian of the integrity of esports and works to disrupt, prevent, investigate, and prosecute all forms of cheating and malpractice in esports. Its overarching objective is to protect youth, promote industry investment, and safeguard the sporting integrity of esports. By addressing issues such as cheating, match-fixing, and doping, ESIC works to ensure fair play and integrity across all esports competitions. It collaborates with publishers, tournament organizers, and other stakeholders to establish unified standards for competition integrity, fostering a safe and equitable environment for all participants in the global video games and esports ecosystem.
Press Contacts:
ESIC: press@esic.gg